Director Says Jurassic World Sequel Is Not What You’re Expecting

November 14, 2016

Jon

The sequel to Jurassic World won’t be in theatres for another 19 months, but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating about what’s in store. The film is currently in the planning stages with director J.A. Bayona (The Orphanage, The Impossible) overseeing the proceedings. Speaking to Cinema Blend, he confirmed that a title has been selected, but it’s staying under wraps for the time being. He also revealed that the upcoming film will pay tribute to Steven Spielberg’s 1993 original, causing some to speculate that a few of the franchise’s original characters could be back.

As for the concepts that Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow has suggested for the sequel (ie. “dinosaur proliferation”), Bayona confirms that they’re in play. However, he explains that this is more than just a sequel to Trevorrow’s blockbuster. “What we’re doing is a sequel to Jurassic World, but it’s definitely the fifth chapter of a longer saga,” he explained. “It’s very interesting. It’s always tricky, but you need to find a balance in what people expect to find, and the new stuff you’re bringing to the story. And I think the story is looking for a connection between Jurassic World and Jurassic Park—more than what Jurassic World did.”

In other words, Bayona is thinking well beyond the sequel he’s currently preparing. “I think what this film does is it’s the second chapter of the story that started in Jurassic World, and it’s open to a third chapter too,” he explained. “It’s very interesting in the way that we’re approaching the story, and where we are leading the story. We’re leading the story to a place that the audience is not expecting, and that’s always exciting when you do a sequel.”

While you’ll have to wait until June 22, 2018 for the Jurassic World sequel, Bayona’s next film arrives in theatres next month. For a sense of what he might bring to the table, check out the trailer for A Monster Calls below.